These 3 Drugstore Mascaras Prove You Don’t Have to Shell Out Major Cash on Fancy Formulas

I can’t even begin to imagine how much money I spend on beauty-related items each year, and frankly, I don’t want to know. My collection is a pretty good mix of high- and low-end stuff, and where there are certain places I will absolutely spend more money (skincare, for example) there are also items that I never pay more than drugstore prices for.

Mascara is one of those items, and these three formulas solidify my belief that I don't have to spend more for great lashes.

Of the three on this list, this mascara is the newest to me, but I love it. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to formula, but I prefer my mascaras to be on the thicker/drier side because I like a lot of volume. This is not quite as thick as I usually like, but it’s not so wet that I feel like it’s going to immediately smudge.

I use this most on days I’m not wearing eyeliner so it defines my lashes and opens up my eyes a bit without darkening them too much.

This has been my ride-or-die mascara for the last three years. I have dabbled in and like other formulas, but I always come back to this one. It’s on the thicker side so if you like super slippery formulas you will hate it, but I think it gives great volume to my lashes.

I love how dark it is, and I love that even though it’s on the dry side, it doesn’t flake off all over my face. I’ve tried a few higher end formulas and none of them have been as good as this one.

I didn’t really think L’Oreal could improve upon my favorite mascara but this one might even give the original a run for its money! The trick here is that this two-in-one comes with both a mascara and a lash primer.

Ever since Tynan (who I will now and forever dub Lord of the Lashes) wrote about how he makes his lashes look so amazing (besides generally winning the genetic jackpot) I was obsessed with finding a lash primer. I almost bought a high-end one, but I saw this at my local drugstore and decided to try it first.

I am in LOVE! The primer really gives my lashes some great length, and the mascara gives them the volume I love, so it’s like all of my lash dreams have come true.